This course is an introduction to selected works by American writers. It will introduce you to the study of early and modern American culture through its poetry, short fiction, and non-fiction prose. This course explores the concept of the “American Dream” and the identity of Americans while critically examining American ideals, cultures and mentalities. It will explore the major cultural issues (e.g., slavery, the Civil War, racism, the impacts of industrial capitalism, feminism, the crisis of faith, the role of art in society) as reflected in the literature. Literary analysis will focus on themes, form, style, language, and structure of a variety of works. We will seek to evaluate and explore the significance and role of the writings as part of American culture.